In the debate over Medicaid expansion, the ace up the sleeve of expansion advocates is federal largesse. The federal health care law requires states to eventually cover 10 percent of the cost of expanding Medicaid eligibility; but for the next three years 100 percent of the cost is covered by the federal treasury.

Dave was a homeless guy. Some blamed him for the bad choices he must have made. Some were a bit more sympathetic. A few got close enough to him to realize how little it would take to get Dave to a much better position in life — off the street, working, and even serving as a superb role model for others similarly in desperate need of a few small breaks.